Crackdown planned on empty properties

The council said empty properties were a "wasted resource at a time when demand is high"

A new council officer has been appointed and an online reporting form created to address the issue of long-term empty properties in part of Warwickshire.

The form allows residents to notify Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council about suspected empty homes and businesses.

The officer will then determine the most appropriate action, which could include working with the owners to encourage renovation or taking enforcement action where necessary.

It is part of a council strategy to bring empty properties back into use.

The local authority said empty properties could attract antisocial behaviour and were a "wasted resource at a time when demand is high".

The form captures information about suspected empty properties, including location, condition and length of vacancy.

Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council said by gathering local intelligence and with the help community input, it aimed to identify problem properties faster and work towards reducing the negative impact empty properties had on the area.

Data collected will also be used to "inform strategic planning and resource allocation", the council said.

Leader and portfolio holder for housing Chris Watkins said the local authority was "empowering residents to help us take meaningful action".

"This is about improving our borough and making sure that properties are being used to their full potential," he said.